Brewed: 1.5 tsp put in tea bag. Brewed in-cup with water left for a minute or two after boiling.

First cup: Brewed for around 4.5 minutes
Well, this is odd. I’m used to this tea oversteeping and becoming too strong, hence my decision to brew it in-cup. However, I seem to have had the opposite problem today: it’s not as strong as it should be at all. This is, however, the appropriate amount of tea for the amount of water I’m using. Perhaps I should have let it brew longer or else put in a bit more tea.

Second cup: Resteeped for 10-15 minutes
Still not as strong as I’d like, but not horrible. I can taste everything, it’s just… not as strong as I’d like it. That being said, I’m still terribly in love with this tea’s flavour profile. Woodsy from the roasted maté and chicory root, chocolate-almond deliciousness, and then a hint of sweet-fruitiness from the raspberry. Seriously. I’m in love with this tea. Just not this steep, which is barely showing off what this tea has to offer.

Third cup: Re-resteeped over dinner
Well, as a third steep, I’m not surprised that it’s echoing the flavours, though the longer steep definitely allowed some of them to come through. The woodsiness is still coming through decently, as is the hint of sweetness from the raspberry. Probably no better or worse than I’d expect a third steep to be with most teas.

My overall impression: I’m disappointed by this steep. I love this tea, but I probably wouldn’t have bought it again if this was my first impression of the tea. While I liked the flavour, it was always far too weak for me, even though I tried following the manufacturer’s directions.

Next time, I’ll put in a bit of extra tea for the pot/cup, and definitely up the brewing time to the full five minutes. Hopefully it will like that plan better than it did my execution this afternoon.

My rating: B- 73%. I love the flavour, but it was far too weak to get the proper taste.

My overall rating for this tea: Closer to high 80s or low 90s. I’m going to say 89 for argument’s sake, but I reserve the right to alter this after I have a proper cup of this again.

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I’m a tea addict, that much is clear. Though the tea may not be — I often like a spot of milk or sweetener, though I’ll try the tea clear first. I’m on the milk first side of the debate on when to add it to the beverage, and I put my sweetener in after.

When I’m not drinking tea, I’m generally reading, blogging, or working at my dayjob in a library.

Currently, I’m on a mission to drink 1001 different teas in 1001 days. Wish me luck! (and, if the mood strikes, send me tea, or at least follow me and see what I think of the various incarnations of this wonderful beverage.)